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Radio Frequency Engineer VI Salary in the United States

How much does a Radio Frequency Engineer VI make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Radio Frequency Engineer VI in the United States is $209,580 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $101.

However, a Radio Frequency Engineer VI's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $234,691
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $196,878 to $222,724
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $185,313
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Radio Frequency Engineer VI Salaries

A Radio Frequency Engineer VI's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Radio Frequency Engineer VI Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Radio Frequency Engineer VI's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Radio Frequency Engineer IV (7+ years): $143,785
  • Radio Frequency Engineer V (7-10 years): $177,645
  • Radio Frequency Engineer VI (10-12 years): $209,580
  • Radio Frequency Engineering Manager (12+ years): $155,410
  • Radio Frequency Engineering Senior Manager (12+ years): $173,065
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Radio Frequency Engineer IV7+ years$143,785
Radio Frequency Engineer V7-10 years$177,645
Radio Frequency Engineer VI10-12 years$209,580
Radio Frequency Engineering Manager12+ years$155,410
Radio Frequency Engineering Senior Manager12+ years$173,065
View as Graph

How Do Radio Frequency Engineer VI Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Radio Frequency Engineer VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $232,047.
  • California: $231,167.
  • Massachusetts: $228,086.

Top Paying Cities for Radio Frequency Engineer VIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $264,343
  • San Francisco: $261,449
  • Oakland: $255,939

Radio Frequency Engineer VI Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Radio Frequency Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $236,013. While startup companies pay approximate $199,736.

Radio Frequency Engineer VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $199,736
Growth Stage 51~500 $211,213
Established 501~5000 $227,933
Enterprise 5000+ $236,013

Radio Frequency Engineer VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Radio Frequency Engineer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 21% above the average. In contrast, Radio Frequency Engineer positions in MFG Durable or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Radio Frequency Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Radio Frequency Engineer VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$253,592$122.021%
Energy & Utilities$247,304$119.018%
Construction$241,017$116.015%
Aerospace & Defense$234,730$113.012%
MFG Nondurable$228,442$110.09%

Radio Frequency Engineer VI Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Radio Frequency Engineer VI's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$196,878
Average $209,580/year
$222,724
$16,407
Average $17,465/month
$18,560
$3,786
Average $4,030/week
$4,283
$95
Average $101/hour
$107
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $222,724 $18,560 $4,283 $107
Average $209,580 $17,465 $4,030 $101
25th Percentile $196,878 $16,407 $3,786 $95

Radio Frequency Engineer VI Salary Growth & Career Path

Radio Frequency Engineer VI

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Radio Frequency Engineer VI, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Electrical Engineering Supervisor I $98,447 -53%
Electronics Engineering Manager $138,440 -34%
Radio Frequency Engineering Manager $155,410 -26%

Most common benefits for Radio Frequency Engineer VI

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Radio Frequency Engineer VI

Here are companies hiring for Radio Frequency Engineer VI and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Radio Frequency Engineer VI

1. Where can a Radio Frequency Engineer VI earn the most?

A Radio Frequency Engineer VI's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Radio Frequency Engineer VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Radio Frequency Engineer VI is $264,343.

2. What is the highest pay for Radio Frequency Engineer VI?

The highest pay for Radio Frequency Engineer VI is $234,691.

3. What is the lowest pay for Radio Frequency Engineer VI?

The lowest pay for Radio Frequency Engineer VI is $185,313.

4. What are the responsibilities of Radio Frequency Engineer VI?

Designs, develops, and optimizes radio frequency (RF) systems used in wireless communications, radar, and other electronic applications. Performs system-level and component-level analysis, including simulation, testing, and tuning of antennas, amplifiers, filters, and circuits. Evaluates and troubleshoots RF performance issues such as interference, signal integrity, and power efficiency to ensure optimal operation and compliance with regulatory standards. Prepares technical documentation, including design specifications, testing reports, and component evaluations. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate RF components into larger systems and support product development from concept through production. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Radio Frequency Engineer VI?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Radio Frequency Engineer VI roles, with salaries approximately 21% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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